A Study of Steam Generator Aging Management at Selected U.S. Nuclear Plants

This paper presents insights obtained from a study of the steam generator aging management at selected U.S. nuclear plants. The primary objective of this study was to conduct an in-depth review of the current steam generator (SG) management practices at selected U.S. nuclear plants. The plants chosen for review were those with similar SG design features as contained in Westinghouse Model F series SGs with thermally treated tubes. This study focuses on several major areas including inspection and integrity assessment, preventive measures (e.g., secondary-side water chemistry control and cleaning) to minimize further damage, monitoring and mitigation, and long-term steam generator replacement strategy.